Lesson 2: Stone Magic Applications

People use magical stones in a variety of ways. First, wearers can take advantage of the symbolism to remind them of a goal, commitment, or other idea. For instance, diamonds represent fidelity and permanence. When a wife looks at a diamond engagement ring she thinks of her relationship with the person who gave it to her. Stones can also serve as reminders to do or not do certain things: to breathe deeply, to repeat an affirmation, not to slump, not to think negatively about your body, and so forth.

Tom Durbin, co-owner of Wellstone Jewelry, says, “I think that the most powerful technique is simply to wear something that is beautiful and meaningful to you and that lifts and directs your spirit in some way. The Tibetans wear these little pendants called Thogchags … and touch them frequently and remember their guru or the Buddha or perhaps emptiness, and so whenever they touch or feel this amulet they go to a very particular place. This is a practice, a way of continually reminding themselves of something very important.”

A related technique involves the use of stones, usually those with complex inner patterns suggesting pictures, for meditation. Users might gaze into a fiery opal while contemplating a desired change in their lives. A set of stones, similar in size and shape, can make an excellent divinatory tool. In fact these are often used to make rune sets.

Next, Pagans can draw on the mystical properties associated with each stone. For instance, snowflake obsidian balances opposites. When worn, agate helps prevent stumbling and falls. Some stones have healing benefits. Aventurine is a good general healer, while red jasper lowers fever. Other correspondences divide stones based on astrological, elemental, or other affinities. You might wear your birthstone, such as garnet for January. Many Pagans put stones at the four sides of their altar, for the elements: clear quartz for Air, carnelian for Fire, aquamarine for Water, malachite for Earth, etc.

Pagans today use a wide variety of stones to care for the aura, chakras, and other manifestations of the energy-body. For example, snowflake obsidian seals the aura against unwanted outside influences while rhodocrosite reconciles the upper and lower chakras. Aventurine cleanses the mental, emotional, and etheric bodies. The fire of an opal fades or changes color when the stone passes over a problem spot, making this stone an excellent diagnostic tool.

You can assemble sets of stones to cover a range of effects. A set designed for chakra work might include one each of sugilite (crown), lapis (third eye), blue tourmaline (throat), kunzite (heart), peridot (solar plexus), gold topaz (navel) and hematite (root) plus blue calcite to open the chakras and remove blockages. A set intended to enhance magical aptitudes could feature amethyst (general magic), aquamarine (psychic awareness), malachite (for extra energy during rites), quartz crystals (programmable for any purpose), ruby (psychic defenses), star sapphire (for extra potency of spells), and sugilite (mystical intuition).

Finally, Pagans interact with the physical effects of a few special stones. For instance, amber generates an electrical charge when rubbed briskly. Others, like tourmaline and quartz, generate their own electromagnetic fields which can interact with the field produced by a human body. Pagans therefore use these stones to smooth disturbances in the aura and to balance the chakras, rather like using a comb to remove tangles from your hair. Rounded stones make excellent massage tools, and the special rocks of a sweat lodge emit a cleansing heat.

Most people enjoy playing with stones, a relaxing activity that can lower blood pressure, ease depression, and produce numerous beneficial biochemical effects. Thus, a person doesn’t necessarily need to “believe in” stones to enjoy their benefits, although it does help. You should simply pay attention to which stones attract your attention and how they make you feel – let your instincts guide you.

If you already plan to acquire a specific stone, you can look up its properties first. If you want a particular type of jewelry, you can search for a gem that will complement its applications. On the other hand, if you want to disguise a magical item as simple jewelry, you can first look up the properties and then find a gem and setting that serves the desired purpose. Finally, if you want to buy a gift for someone but you haven’t decided exactly what yet, this material can help you find crystals, gems, jewelry, or other items that will suit the recipient.

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